§ 18. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the annual cost of the Security Service of the Foreign Office during the last three years.
§ Lord John HopeThe annual cost in pay and allowances of the Security Department of the Foreign Office and of the regional security officers abroad in each of the last three financial years has been as follows:—
2294 I should like to emphasise that these figures relate solely to the cost of the organisation and maintenance of security within the Foreign Service.
£ 1952–53 … … … 34,596 1953–54 … … … 41,309 1954–55 … … … 46,428
§ Mr. HughesCan the Minister say if that expenditure includes the cost of whitewash in this department? Can he tell us if the expenditure of this department is likely to be inquired into by the Conference of Privy Councillors?—or should not it be submitted to the Committee of Public Accounts, owing to the disquiet which exists because of the feeling that we are spending a lot of money and getting precious little for it?
§ Mr. J. HyndCan the Minister state whether this is another example of the Government's promises to reduce Government expenditure, through which, we understood, we were to save millions of pounds?
§ Lord John HopeThis is obviously not a subject upon which any risks can be taken with economy. It is done in conformity with the safety of this country and with our duty as a Government.